Here is your *~sign~* to start incorporating builder gels into your manicure routine. If you want to enhance your natural nails, make thin nails look thicker or correct their shape, this guide is for you!
Builder gel is the perfect product for healthier nails and protecting your natural nail beds while having a gorgeous manicure. Compared to acrylic and gel polish, builder gel is more flexible. So it encourages your nails to repair and strengthen themselves by allowing them to grow out. Use them to enhance your natural nail or create fiercely long falsies.
So what’s it all about? Here is your ultimate guide on applying builder gel on natural nails for a flawless salon-quality look as we debunk common myths surrounding builder gel and BIAB.
Table of contents
- How do you apply builder gel to nails?
- Do you apply a base coat before builder gel?
- How many layers of builder gel do I need?
- Can you use builder gel alone?
- Do you need a break from builder gel?
- Is builder in a bottle better than acrylic nails?
- Can builder gel damage your nails?
- What are the different types of Builder gel?
How do you apply builder gel to nails?
You can apply builder gel on top of nail extensions and create mesmerising 3D nail art, but today we’re focusing on using it to create beautiful, natural-looking nails to enhance them if they’re thin or damaged. If you’re not a nail technician, you might opt for the ergonomic builder in a bottle (BIAB), which comes with a convenient brush, much like other nail and gel polish bottles.
How to prep your nails
Firstly, prepare your nails for the best finish so your manicure will last as long as possible.
- Remove any false nails, old gel or nail polish so that you have your natural nails showing.
- File your nails roughly into the shape you want, and use a nail buffer to remove the shine from the surface.
- Push back your cuticles and clip any dead skin or cuticle away.
- Then, use an alcoholic-based nail cleanser to remove any oils or debris. You can also use a dehydrator and primer to help adhesion. Not sure what nail prep to get? Our Prep and Scrub collection has everything you need to prep can care for your nails before using builder gel.
- Apply a gel base coat, sealing off the exposed edge and cure under an LED or UV lamp.
How to apply builder gel
Now, you’re ready to start the builder gel application. There are two types of builder gel you can use. For easy application, use a Builder in a Bottle or BIAB. The application is similar to using regular polish. Or, for more intricate designs and applications, use builder gel in a pot with your tools and brushes.
- Apply a generous amount of builder gel onto the upper middle section of your nail and, using circular motions, spread it around and up to your cuticle. Be careful not to get this on your skin or cuticle.
- Then, using a downward motion or swinging from side to side, work the builder gel towards the end of the nail. You can also use the power of gravity to level out the builder gel by hanging your nail upside down if it is a self-levelling builder gel. We recommend that you only do a few fingers at a time, especially if you are a slow painter, as by the time you finish all five fingers, the builder gel could run to the cuticle. Or, you can flash-cure your nails for 10-20 seconds to fix this issue.
- Once you have your desired nail shape and are sure there is no builder gel on your skin, cure flat under a UV or LED lamp.
- Add another layer of builder gel to strengthen the manicure.
- Cure again under the UV or LED lamp.
- Now, file your nail into the perfect shape and dust off any nail filings with a fluffy brush.
- If you have used a clear or skin colour builder gel to mimic natural nails and want to add colour, apply a layer of your favourite gel polish now.
- Cure the gel polish according to your lamp instructions.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 if you want a richer colour.
- Apply a top coat to seal the gel polish in.
- Cure the top coat under the lamp.
- If needed, wipe away the tacky layer of the top coat.
- Moisturise your cuticle with cuticle oil.
Builder gel FAQs
In this section, we’ll debunk some frequently asked questions that we get a lot about builder gels.
Do you apply a base coat before builder gel?
Some builder gel brands claim you don’t need a basecoat, like Halo. However, we recommend you use one because it will ensure correct adhesion between the nails and the gel and help your manicure last longer, especially if it is a rubber-based basecoat.
How many layers of builder gel do I need?
We recommend using two coats of builder gel. Start with a thin first base layer and one to strengthen and consolidate your desired shape. However, if you’re creating 3D gel sculpting nail art, you may need three layers to create your desired shapes.
Can you use builder gel alone?
Yes! To cut out a step in the method above, you can choose from a vast selection of coloured builder gels. Get the ideal nail shape and colour you want in one easy step.
Do you need a break from builder gel?
You don’t necessarily need a break from builder gels like you do with gel and acrylic polish. Instead, you can use Builder gels as a break from gel and acrylic polish. By applying builder gel or BIAB to your natural nails, you strengthen them and allow them to grow out any potential damage gel or acrylic nails might have caused.
Is builder in a bottle better than acrylic nails?
We recommend BIAB (or builder in a bottle) as a treatment for people with porous, brittle, thin and fragile nails caused by acrylic manicures and nail-biting. Unlike acrylic nails, BIAB is more flexible and will strengthen, harden and nourish your nails which will allow your nails a chance to grow for healthier and longer nails. Get that gorgeous glossy nail finish that you can get from acrylics without the risk of them cracking.
Can builder gel damage your nails?
Builder gel does not damage your nails, just as gel polishes or acrylics don’t damage your nails. The truth is that the application process and the removal stage is the damaging part if you don’t do it properly.
Excessively filing your natural nails or using the wrong grit file will harm your nails. You must also follow the correct process to remove your builder gel. Removal of builder gel requires soaking in acetone remover, which can make nails dry or brittle.
If you’re worried about allergic reactions and irritation, we recommend using the extra-safe Glitterbels Builder-bel builder gel range. They offer a product that requires less filing, and the soak-off process is faster and less damaging than other brands. Plus, it’s HEMA-free, meaning you are at less risk of an allergic reaction.
What are the different types of Builder gel?
Before using builder gel, you must know the different types to find the best ones for your nails. There is soft builder gel and hard gel. They both work in a similar way, with a similar application process, but they offer different finishes. Most BIAB gels are soft, more flexible and lightweight on the nails, giving you a glossy effect. Hard gels are harder. They are harder to sculpt and less flexible but more durable. So for long gel extensions, you would use hard gel, but for BIAB nails or short-tip gel extensions, a soft gel is ideal.
Another difference between soft and hard gel is their removal process. You can remove soft builder gels like any gel polish with acetone remover because it is more porous. However, you will have to file down hard builder gel.
Builder gels at Nail Polish Direct
Whether you want to enhance your natural nails, give them a break from gel and acrylic gel polish to help them repair and grow or create dazzling 3D nail art, builder gel and BIAB are great options for the perfect at-home manicure.
We offer a wide range of professional builder gels that you can peruse. Experiment with hundreds of colours from our builder gel collection at Nail Polish Direct today to create your perfect nail shape and colour at home.
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